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Atolls of Tuvalu was re-created in
FSX for two fundamental reasons: to "capture" the history and current
state of the atolls as we know it in our lifetime; and to replicate the splendor
and essence of flying in the fourth smallest country in the world within FSX. The Tuvalu atolls have been a subject
of international interests for quite a long time now, in fact since World War
II. Apart from being used by American Forces (mainly Marines) during WWII as
advance post for deterring Japanese attacks in the northern South Pacific in
1943, Tuvalu has been known in the scientific world as the most rapidly sinking
country in the world. If the current sea-level rise prove accurate from various
scientific experts, Tuvalu will be fully submerged within the next 50 years.
Given that likely scenario, it is only appropriate that we digitize images and
memories of the country through various mediums, including game genres such as
our hobby (flight simulation) for future generations to see. In the interest of
full disclosure, we may not accurately capture the entire country of Tuvalu in
FSX but at least we can leave plenty to the imaginations with use of this
product. Although there are 9 atolls and
islands forming the country Tuvalu, the software package - "Atolls of Tuvalu" -
only covers the northern 7 atolls/islands. Here's what the package specifically
contain: ·
7 airports: Funafuti
International (NGFU), Nukufetau (NGNA), Vaitupu (NGPF), Nui (NGFT), Nanumanga (NGMG),
Niutao (NGTO), and Nanumea (NGME). The longest strip is at NGFU and is nearly
6,000ft long which can handle medium type aircraft such as B737, A320, etc,
flying international routes. The shortest runway is over 2,700ft which caters
for regional freight and tourism/sightseeing hops. ·
Combination of over 10
seaplane docks and heliports including helipads on cruiseliners and cargo ship.
All helipads are lighted for night operations. ·
Combination of
photoreal landclass/waterclass and vector polygons hand-drawn and customized to
replicate white sandy beaches and vegetation texture. ·
Sequential wave crash
effects (cascades) more pronounced at coral reef outlines replicating real
world. ·
Customized vegetation
typical of the region. ·
Modern and traditional
buildings such as primitive grass and coconut thatched dwellings. ·
Multitude of objects
and eye candies to discover. ·
Various animals (crows,
parrots, gulls, eagles, whales, dolphins, etc) with animation, including
distinct sounds of nature from birds to waves crashing ashore. ·
Night light effects
on aprons, buildings and villages ·
Chart for the region ·
Airstrip Facilities
Directory ·
Friendly frame rates
but recommend a decent medium to high-end system to run scenery at very high
settings for an enjoyable experience. For FSX. |